Man robbed and beaten in possible anti-gay attack

SAN FRANCISCO, CA — A man was attacked and robbed early Wednesday morning near San Francisco State University after being taunted with homophobic slurs. According to police officer Albie Esparza, the 20-year-old victim was walking near the university when three men in a 70’s Oldsmobile pulled up next to him. They began yelling anti-gay offenses, and then proceeded to exit their vehicle, surround the victim, and demanded his property.

When the victim fought back, the men beat him to the pavement and kicked him repeatedly, then took his smartphone from his pocket and escaped in their vehicle. According to the San Francisco Appeal, the incident was reported to San Francisco police around 2:10 a.m. The victim was treated for minor injuries at the scene, where he gave detailed descriptions of the attackers.

Officers, who are labeling the event a clear hate crime, are still looking for the suspects. Police are encouraging any witnesses or anyone with knowledge of the attack suspects to call their anonymous tip line at (415)575-4444.